This week in Island history

Jamestown Press. The news of 100 years ago came from the collection of the Newport Historical Society.

100 years ago

From the Newport Journal, May 19, 1911

The first steamer on the trans-Atlantic line from Providence passed by the island at 7:40 Saturday morning, so only the early risers had an opportunity to see her, and their view was not clear, as the fog was only just braking away. The passengers on the 7:30 ferryboat from Newport were greatly interested in the new liner as she passed across the ferry’s bow, although some distance ahead.

The transfer of wharves and steamer Narragansett from the firm of Greene, Hinckley & Allen of Providence to the Jamestown & Newport Ferry Company took place Saturday.

75 years ago

From the Newport Daily News, May 19, 1936

[At the town council meeting] it was voted that Charles A. Westall be granted permission to sell fireworks from 12 o’clock noon Thursday, July 2, to 12 o’clock midnight, Saturday, July 4, subject to certain conditions.

It was voted that the iron rails and wheels which were part of the crusher be sold to M. James Vieira for $25.

From the Newport Daily News, May 23, 1936

There was a large attendance at the Carr School Friday evening, when the pupils presented a Tercentenary program, representing different nations, the author of which was Miss Lena H. Clarke, principal of the school. The proceeds will be given to the Jamestown Chapter of the American Red Cross.

50 years ago

From the Newport Daily News, May 16, 1961

Only three automobile dealers will bid on a new police car by decision of the out-going Jamestown Town Council, which met last night. The Council decided to limit bidders to the three dealers on the island (Central Garage, Sylvia’s Garage and Jamestown Garage).

From the Newport Daily News, May 18, 1961

Misreading of a voting machine count on election night, May 3, and corrected by the state Board of Elections today resulted in the first Republican in five years to the Jamestown Town Council. (Ramon M. LeDoux defeated councilman Francisco Brazil, 610-595.)

From the Newport Daily News, May 20, 1961

Seventh and eighth grade pupils of the Jamestown Elementary School visited the United Nations yesterday [by bus].

25 years ago

From the Newport Daily News, May 16, 1986

(Photo caption) Paul Pipes, who operates Mr. Pipes Restaurant in Jamestown, watches construction on new Jamestown Bridge from his restaurant terrace. State must buy out Pipes’ business because new bridge will run right through what now is his dining room.

It is unlikely that Jamestown will get a liberal cable television line extension policy as it requested last month. At a Public Utilities Commission public hearing April 28 officials from Rollins Cablevision said they would extend cable to all areas with 40 homes per square mile. But town officials asked the PUC to consider a 35-home-per-square-mile policy.

From the Newport Daily News, May 20, 1986

The average family of four here can expect an increase of $20 to $24 per year in sewer rates. The Town Council approved an operating budget for the sewer division Monday night that would represent a $3,146 increase over last year’s budget. That means an increase in sewer rates of 30 cents per 1,000 gallons.

15 years ago

From the Jamestown Press, May 16, 1996

An electric company proposal to cut down and replace all trees on the north side of Narragansett Avenue from North Main Road to West Ferry got put on a temporary hold Monday.

The Town Council closed the door on two controversial proposals to amend the zoning ordinance. (In a 4-1 vote council members shot down a proposed amendment that would have allowed bed-and-breakfast establishments in two residential zones and the council dead-ended a proposed amendment that would have put all of the former Newman Lumber Yard within the commercial zone by voting 4-1 to leave lot 201 residential.)

10 years ago From the Jamestown Press, May

17, 2001

The Harbor Management Commission on May 9 approved contract amendments that would reduce costs to the West Ferry repair project. Under the modified contract, changing the timber cap on top of the sea wall and switching the color of the vinyl sheeting from brown to tan will save the town more than $10,000.

The 17th annual Conanicut Island Spring Bird Count was held Saturday, May 12, and 96 species of birds were spotted.